Data as of .
DDFG vs PAUG: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 DDFG can fall 2.3% before its buffer engages and PAUG 2.1%.
These are two different products. PAUG is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DDFG is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Both are Innovator funds, so the difference between them is the terms rather than the house.
Where each one stands today
DDFG resets first, on Jul 31, 2027, 313 days from now; PAUG runs to Jul 31, 2027, 313 days. DDFG can still gain 8.8% before its cap, PAUG 11.4%. A fall from here reaches DDFG’s buffer after 2.3% and PAUG’s after 2.1%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDFG | PAUG | DDFG | PAUG | |
| 3 months | not published | +2.5% | not published | +0.2 pts |
| 6 months | not published | +9.5% | not published | −8.5 pts |
| 1 year | not published | +10.0% | not published | −6.5 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +47.0% | not published | −31.4 pts |
| DDFG Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF - Aug Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 11.4%, over a period ending Jul 31, 2027 | PAUG Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF - Aug Absorbs the first 15% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 13.8%, over a period ending Jul 31, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Innovator | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 15% | 15% |
| Outcome period | Jul 31, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027 | Jul 31, 2026 to Jul 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 313 | 313 |
| Starting cap | +11.4% | +13.8% |
| Can still gain | 8.8% | 11.4% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.3% | 2.1% |
| Protection left, index points | 15.0% of 15.0% | 15.0% of 15.0% |
| Index return this period | +3.6% | +3.6% |
| Fund return this period | +2.3% | +2.1% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.79% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $35m | $1.0bn |
DDFG in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 3.5% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 15.0% of the 15.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 313 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jul 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
PAUG in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 11.4% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.1% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DDFG or PAUG?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DDFG can gain about 8.8% before its cap and PAUG about 11.4%, so PAUG has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DDFG or PAUG?
- DDFG ends its outcome period on Jul 31, 2027 and PAUG on Jul 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DDFG or PAUG?
- DDFG charges 0.79% a year and PAUG charges 0.79%, so DDFG is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, DDFG against PAUG, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/ddfg-vs-paug Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.